11 Dinner Recipes for the First Day of Fall

fall inspired dinner recipes

Pumpkin Squash Soup

creamy pumpkin squash soup

Pumpkin Squash Soup is a perfect comforting dish for fall, featuring the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin and squash, complemented by warming spices. This creamy, velvety soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a delightful starter or main course during the cooler months.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin 2 cups (cubed)
Butternut squash 2 cups (cubed)
Onion 1 medium (chopped)
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Ground cumin 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Heavy cream (optional) 1/2 cup
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic, cumin, and nutmeg; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in pumpkin and butternut squash, followed by the vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in heavy cream if desired.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
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Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

apple cider glazed pork chops

Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops are a delightful autumn dish that combines the savory flavors of pork with a sweet, tangy apple cider glaze, making it a perfect addition to any fall dinner. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the pork, infusing each bite with a hint of sweetness balanced by the depth of apple cider vinegar. Serve it alongside seasonal sides for a comforting meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Pork chops 4 (bone-in or boneless)
Apple cider 1 cup
Apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp
Brown sugar 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard 1 tbsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Fresh thyme 1 tsp (chopped)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small saucepan, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and thyme; bring to a simmer and reduce until thickened.
  3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  5. Brush the apple cider glaze over the pork chops midway through baking.
  6. Remove from the oven, allow to rest for a few minutes, then serve drizzled with extra glaze.
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Butternut Squash Risotto

creamy butternut squash risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto is a creamy and comforting fall dish that celebrates the rich flavors of roasted butternut squash paired with Arborio rice. This risotto is not only satisfying but also perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and nourishment. Its combination of sweet squash, savory broth, and creamy cheese make it a standout choice for a cozy autumn dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Butternut squash 2 cups (cubed and roasted)
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Onion 1 (diced)
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (grated)
Butter 2 tbsp
Fresh sage (optional) 1 tsp (chopped)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
  1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for 2-3 minutes before gradually adding warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
  4. Cook for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente, adding more broth as needed.
  5. Stir in the roasted butternut squash, butter, and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and sage if using.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
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Cozy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

cozy chicken rice casserole

Cozy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty and fulfilling dish perfect for the fall season. Combining tender chunks of chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy sauce, this casserole is not only comforting but also packed with flavor. It’s an excellent choice for a family dinner, providing warmth and satisfaction on chilly evenings.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breast (cooked and diced) 2 cups
Wild rice 1 cup
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Onion 1 (diced)
Celery 2 stalks (diced)
Carrots 1 cup (diced)
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Heavy cream 1 cup
Thyme (dried) 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup (for topping)
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a saucepan, cook the wild rice according to package instructions and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, wild rice, sautéed vegetables, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy your cozy meal!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

sweet potato black bean enchiladas

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. Packed with roasted sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, and covered in a rich enchilada sauce, these enchiladas offer a delightful combination of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal fall dinner option to warm you up.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 medium (peeled and cubed)
Black beans (canned) 1 can (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
Corn tortillas 8-10
Enchilada sauce 2 cups
Onion 1 (diced)
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Cumin 1 tsp
Chili powder 1 tsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Cheese (shredded, optional) 1 cup (for topping)
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans with the sautéed onion mixture.
  4. Take a corn tortilla, fill it with the sweet potato and bean mix, and roll it up tightly. Place in a greased baking dish seam side down.
  5. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with cheese if desired.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the top is bubbly.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful enchiladas!
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Beef Stew With Root Vegetables

comforting beef stew recipe

Beef Stew with Root Vegetables is the epitome of a comforting fall dish. This hearty stew combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of seasonal root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, all simmered together in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish warms you up while filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef chuck (cut into cubes) 2 lbs
Carrots (sliced) 3 medium
Potatoes (cubed) 3 medium
Parsnips (sliced) 2 medium
Onion (diced) 1 large
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Beef broth 6 cups
Tomato paste 2 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Thyme (dried) 1 tsp
Bay leaf 1
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onions are soft, around 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf; cook for an additional minute.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  5. Add the carrots, potatoes, and parsnips to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your cozy beef stew!
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Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

sweet roasted brussels sprouts

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a delightful side dish perfect for fall. The natural sweetness of maple syrup paired with the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts creates a deliciously balanced dish that complements any autumn meal. The slight caramelization from roasting adds depth and enhances the sprouts’ nuttiness, making this a must-try during the season.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts (trimmed) 1 lb
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Maple syrup 3 tbsp
Balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Crumbled bacon (optional) 1/2 cup
Chopped pecans (optional) 1/4 cup
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the trimmed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and caramelized, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
  5. If using, add crumbled bacon and chopped pecans for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  6. Remove from the oven and serve hot, drizzled with any remaining pan glaze. Enjoy your delicious Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts!
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Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells

creamy spinach mushroom pasta

Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and hearty dish that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. These large pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. This cozy meal is not only satisfying but also a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Jumbo pasta shells 12
Fresh spinach (chopped) 2 cups
Mushrooms (sliced) 8 oz
Ricotta cheese 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese (shredded) 1 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Marinara sauce 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Italian seasoning 1 tsp
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms are softened. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. In a bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  5. Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell with the mushroom and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells!
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Autumn Harvest Salad

vibrant autumn salad recipe

Autumn Harvest Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that celebrates the bountiful flavors of fall. This revitalizing salad combines crisp greens with seasonal ingredients such as roasted butternut squash, tart apples, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a homemade maple vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side dish for a cozy dinner or a light main course that highlights the rich flavors of the season.

Ingredients Quantity
Mixed greens 4 cups
Butternut squash (cubed) 2 cups
Red apple (sliced) 1
Pecans (chopped) 1/2 cup
Dried cranberries 1/3 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Maple syrup 1 tbsp
Dijon mustard 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, sliced apple, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
  4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the flavors of fall!
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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

creamy tomato basil pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy autumn dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and brings warmth to any table, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (fettuccine or penne) 12 oz
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Canned crushed tomatoes 28 oz
Heavy cream 1 cup
Fresh basil leaves 1 cup (chopped)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 5 minutes, then add heavy cream and mix well.
  4. Incorporate chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, mixing until well coated.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta!

Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crisp

fall fruit dessert recipe

Spiced Pear and Cranberry Crisp is a delightful dessert that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of fall. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg complements the sweetness of ripe pears and the tartness of cranberries, all topped with a crumbly oat and brown sugar mixture. This comforting treat is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients Quantity
Pears (sliced) 4 cups
Fresh cranberries 2 cups
Granulated sugar 1/2 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice 2 tbsp
Rolled oats 1 cup
All-purpose flour 1/2 cup
Unsalted butter (melted) 1/2 cup
Salt 1/4 tsp
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced pears, fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well until the fruit is evenly coated.
  3. Transfer the fruit mixture into a greased baking dish.
  4. In another bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
  5. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruit evenly.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
  7. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your spiced pear and cranberry crisp!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.